Superhero Doris Brazzale: Gold Star Leadership

Doris Brazzale has three children: Sara and Mattel, 26-year-old twins, and Kelly, almost 13 years old. She lost her husband, Rodney, in 2005 when her youngest was only eight months old.

On June 1, 2012, Italian-born Doris packed her things along with her family and moved to the United States. Rodney was a paratrooper from the 173rd Airborne Brigade, and now Doris serves as chairperson for Gold Star families for the 173rd Airborne Brigade Association Foundation. “I attend the Texas Chapter 13 meetings with my youngest daughter, Kelly, so that she can know about the kind of person was her dad—through these amazing Sky Soldiers.”

She’s proud of her kids’ accomplishments, and because she “crossed the world to be able to provide them a better life and opportunities,” she’s also honored and humbled to be in her position. “I hope to be an encouragement to other single moms. Life is hard, but we are tougher!”